MLB Player News

VerHagen allowed one run on one hit and one walk with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings versus the Brewers on Thursday.

VerHagen followed starter Adam Wainwright, who was chased after 4.1 innings. The lone blemish on VerHagen's line was an RBI single by Kolten Wong in the sixth inning. This was the right-hander's first major-league appearance since 2019 after he spent two years in Japan. He wasn't able to win a job in the rotation during spring training, but he could be a candidate for spot starts later in the season if he continues to pitch well out of the bullpen.

Sanmartin pitches five scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out two. He didn't factor in the decision.

Sanmartin was originally scheduled to start the contest, but the Reds instead tabbed Luis Cessa to work as an opener with Sanmartin following behind him. Cessa didn't perform well in the role, giving up five hits and three runs in one frame, but Sanmartin allowed Cincinnati to get back in the game with five scoreless innings. The left-hander yielded only two baserunners -- both on singles -- and threw 48 of 75 pitches for strikes. It remains to be seen how the Reds will use Sanmartin moving forward; if he moves back into a starting role, his next start will likely come in San Diego against the Padres next week.

Adon (0-2) allowed six earned runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out five across 4.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Pirates.

Adon was handed a three-run lead prior to taking the mound, but he was unable to maintain the advantage. He surrendered a pair of home runs that accounted for half of the damage against him, and he also struggled to get pitches in the zone. Across a pair of starts and a total of nine innings, Adon has allowed 10 earned runs and seven walks. Prior to earning a spot in the Nationals' rotation to open the campaign, Adon had thrown only 23.1 combined innings between the upper levels of the minors and the major leagues. That makes a demotion to Triple-A Rochester a realistic possibility if his struggles continue, though for now Adon is projected to start Tuesday against Arizona.

Bender allowed two hits but threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Phillies. He didn't record a strikeout or issue a walk

Bender was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff single, but then induced a double-play from the next batter he faced. After allowing a second knock, the right-hander got Bryce Harper to fly out to end the game. Bender has allowed two earned runs across 3.1 frames to begin the season, but he has also also tallied two saves and is the team's clear closer for the time being.

Lambert (forearm) has resumed throwing, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Lambert has been dealing with elbow pain since the start of spring training, and he's on the 10-day injured list as a precautionary measure to begin the regular season. The right-hander was expected to be on a pitch count in 2022 after missing most of last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it's unlikely that his absence will impact his availability for this season overall. However, it's not yet clear when Lambert will be able to return to game action.

Rodriguez was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list for an unspecified reason Thursday, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Rodriguez allowed four runs in two innings during his first two relief appearances at Triple-A Iowa this year, but he's now dealing with an injury that will force him to miss at least a week. The nature of the issue isn't yet clear, and a timetable for his return isn't known.

Underwood (hamstring) threw Thursday and has been feeling better recently, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Underwood dealt with hamstring discomfort following the season opener last week, but he's optimistic that he won't require a lengthy stint on the injured list. Once the right-hander is cleared to return, he should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations.

Manager Oliver Marmol said Hicks is tentatively lined up to make his first start of the season Tuesday against the Marlins in Miami, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hicks initially appeared poised to pick up two turns through the rotation this week, but postponements of Monday's game against Pittsburgh and Wednesday's game against Kansas City will result in the 25-year-old having to wait a little longer for his first MLB start. Marmol noted that Hicks will be available in relief for the team's four-game series in Milwaukee that begins Thursday, so it's not a lock that the right-hander will be ready to take the hill in Miami if he's pressed into extended innings out of the bullpen against the Brewers. Whenever Hicks does make his first start, he's expected to be capped at around 45 pitches before steadily increasing his pitch count in his subsequent outings.

Manager Oliver Marmol said Hudson will make his second start of the season Sunday in Milwaukee, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hudson looked as though he might miss out on a two-start week after the Cardinals' game Wednesday against the Royals was rained out, but he'll remain on his normal four days' rest to take the hill Sunday after Marmol opted to push No. 5 starter Jordan Hicks back in the pitching schedule. The 27-year-old righty will be looking for better results in Milwaukee after taking a no-decision in his season debut against Kansas City on Tuesday. Hudson worked four innings in the Cardinals' 6-5 win, giving up three earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out four.

Coonrod (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Coonrod has been dealing with a shoulder strain since late March, but he recently increased his throwing distance to 90 feet. However, he'll be unavailable until at least early June after being transferred to the 60-day IL. The move makes room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Andrew Bellatti, whose contract was selected Thursday.